Marlene Beverly Ramsey Obituary (2024)

Marlene Ramsey passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on October 8th, 2024. Marlene was born in Kadoka, South Dakota on April 9th, 1936 to Wayne and Arlene Shroll, and was the middle child of three children. A brother Richard, 18 months older (deceased), and a sister 9 years younger Sharon Ziegler of Vancouver, WA. Marlene lived in Kadoka until age 4, moving out west and settling first in the Hillsboro / Forest Grove OR area. With subsequent moves to Vernonia and Tillamook, OR and then to Vancouver, WA when she was in Junior High. It was here she met Wally (Perk) Ramsey who courted her for several months after meeting her on an arranged blind date. They were married in the Methodist Church on June 9th, 1956 and recently celebrated 68 years of marriage. Marlene and Wally were blessed with three wonderful children. Douglas Ramsey of Spokane, WA, Tamra Marrs (Ramsey) of Yakima, WA and Jill Sunwold (Ramsey) of Naches, WA. Marlene's children, nine grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren were the loves of her life. Family was her pride and joy. Life resulted in several moves over the years for the Ramsey family within Washington state. They enjoyed the Snowbird life for over 20 years in Yuma and Sun City West, Arizona, eventually settling in Yakima WA near family. Quilting was a highlight in Marlene's life. She delighted in making quilts for all her grandchildren as they graduated from high school and when great grandchildren arrived she also made treasured quilts for them. Marlene was a veracious reader and enjoyed traveling. Their 60th wedding anniversary was celebrated in Maui, HI and when they returned home they enjoyed a surprise dinner gathering with all of the family atop the Space Needle in Seattle. Cruising to Alaska five times was a favorite destination with her husband. Four months ago Doug, Tamra, Jill and their spouses were treated to an Alaskan cruise with Wally and Marlene. This trip is a lasting memory for all! Marlene lived a life of faith and was steadfast in the Lord, influencing her family's faith. Near her final day all her children and grandchildren gathered and she was able to share her testimony and unwavering love for our Lord, Jesus. She played some of her favorite songs to include "I Can Only Imagine" and had each person take one or two of the many Bible scripture cards she created over her years. This day was an incredible blessing to all who attended. Marlene is survived by her loving husband Wally (Perk) Ramsey, her sister Sharon Ziegler, her three children, Douglas Ramsey (Stacie), Tamra Marrs (Rick), Jill Sunwold (Dale), 9 loving grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Wayne and Arlene Shroll, and her brother Richard Shroll. Marlene was a blessing and a gift from God for all who knew her. She will be missed immensely and our only comfort is that she is surely dancing with Jesus. Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com